In a surprise leadership shake-up, Apple has announced that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1, 2026, ending a long and influential run at the top of the company. Taking over the role will be John Ternus, Apple’s current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering.
Cook will remain with Apple in an advisory capacity as executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors.
Apple said the move follows a “thoughtful, long-term succession planning process,” with Cook expected to work closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth transition.
Tim Cook’s farewell as CEO
In a statement, Cook expressed gratitude for his time leading the company and praised his successor.
He said he loves Apple “with all of my being” and thanked the company’s teams for their creativity, innovation, and dedication to improving customers’ lives.
Cook also described Ternus as someone with “the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor,” adding that he is fully confident in Ternus’ leadership.
Read the full letter from Tim Cook here: https://www.apple.com/community-letter-from-tim/
Apple’s next CEO: John Ternus
Ternus has long been rumored as the leading candidate to eventually succeed Cook. While many expected the transition to happen later, the timing came earlier than anticipated.
Industry expectations previously suggested Cook would remain CEO until at least 2027, potentially overseeing major upcoming launches such as:
- A long-awaited major Siri overhaul
- Multiple smart home products and accessories
- Apple’s rumored smart glasses
- The first touchscreen MacBook
Instead, those expected late-2026 and early-2027 product waves may now help define the beginning of Ternus’ tenure.
More executive changes at Apple
Alongside the CEO announcement, Apple also confirmed that Johny Srouji will assume Ternus’ previous responsibilities as Chief Hardware Officer.
Ternus, in a memo to staff, said he would immediately step away from leading hardware engineering as part of the CEO transition.
He also announced that Tom Marieb will become the new head of the hardware engineering organization, reporting to Srouji.
Cook’s message to the Apple community
Cook also shared a letter addressed to Apple users, thanking them personally for their support during his leadership.
He reflected on growing up in a rural area and later becoming CEO of what he called the greatest company in the world. He thanked users for their trust, kindness, and enthusiasm during product launches and company milestones.
End of an era, start of another
Tim Cook succeeded Steve Jobs as Apple CEO in 2011 and has overseen one of the most financially successful periods in the company’s history.
Now, with John Ternus set to lead Apple beginning September 2026, the company is preparing for its next chapter, just as a major new product cycle appears to be approaching.